It’s a small wonder the city Cairo, Egypt means "victorious" in Arabic. Emerge from your trip to the African city with your camera held high as you capture some incredible images from this cultural hub. As the 19th largest city in the world, and among the planet's most densely populated cities, you can explore tons of historical tourist attractions and beautiful landscape views. Whether you're looking to get one of the Seven Wonders of the World checked off your bucket list, or want a change of culture and scenery, Cairo, Egypt is an essential stop for any travel photographer.
Check out our travel photo guide for the best spots for cameras to shoot in Cairo, Egypt below.
Pyramids of Giza
As historians know, Cairo is home of the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the spectacular Pyramids of Giza! Located just a short 30-minute car ride from Cairo, this might be your first stop for some spectacular snapshots. It’s impossible to take a bad photo from the Pyramids, as the brilliant azure blue sky background, sandy dunes and majestic structures make for a flawless canvas. Don't leave without a classic kiss in front of the Sphinx to get the full pyramid experience.
Khan el-Khalili
No trip to Cairo would be complete without a visit to Khan Al-Khalili. The bazaar is loud, crowded, colorful, and exciting, making it the perfect place for that killer photo. Between the original Mamluk style architecture, which features great archways, and the vaulted ceilings, you can get deals on the assorted spices and souvenirs while making tangible memories with your camera.
Nile River
You might need to catch your breath after the hustle and bustle of the ancient bazaar. Snapping some breathtaking pictures of Africa's iconic river might just be what any photographer will order . Whether you hop into a kayak or cruise along in a felucca, keep your camera poised to shoot the sweltering skyline and glistering waters. Measuring at a whopping 4,132 miles, the river is considered the lifeblood of Egypt and is one place your camera won’t forget.
Desert Shots
Cairo is technically a desert, so access to these unique shots is as easy as walking outside of your place of stay. You’ll be starry-eyed as you gape at the sprawling sandy landscapes that stretch across the horizon, giving you a chance to grab your tripod and enjoy some serious astrophotography at nightfall.
El Gezira – Zamelek Disrict
Keep your finger on your camera trigger when visiting this Egyptian island floating placidly in the Nile River. This upscale neighborhood in western Cairo is known far and wide for its cosmopolitan culture and cuisine. From the beautiful Cairo Opera House that’s been operating since 1988, to the floating Le Pache 1901 restaurant for quality entertainment, this is the ideal spot for a budding shutterbug.
Art Gallery, Cafés and Restaurants
Tour the SaferKhan Art Gallery for “educational and enriching” contemporary Egyptian paintings. If you appreciate food as an art, be sure to check out the Zooba restaurant or the Mandarine Koueider shop for authentic Egyptian cuisine. It’s the perfect place to sip a cup of coffee or tea in a traditional open-air ahwas and soak up the Cairo sunshine. Just make sure to get pure photogenic proof that you were there.
The Cairo Tower
This 614-foot free-standing concrete tower is kind of hard to miss and is the perfect backdrop to the colorful Cairo canvas. Capture that awe-inspiring shot atop this iconic vantage point, currently the fourth-tallest tower in the entire world, made up of eight million mosaic lozenges. Even VIP’s must pay a small fee for this privilege, but the view is mighty worth it.
Al-Azhar Park
Find out why this quaint public park is known as the “Paradise in the heart of Cairo.” Towering palm trees, sparkling water fountains, lush manicured gardens & lawns and wide walkways under a heart-stirring blue sky, makes for dreamy postcard pictures.
Red Sea
Swim, sunbathe and enjoy getting some last flicks at the coast of the Red Sea. Our advice to you would be to shoot from a surrounding high vantage point to capture the scale of the sea, and use a polarizing filter to cut out water reflections. With the sea and sand sparkling and shimmering under the Egyptian sun, this will be one postcard photo to boast about.
Those are just a few of the photographable sights you can't miss while visiting Cairo. Tell us which city you want to discover next, and we’ll give you a rundown of the best spots to complete your photo bucket list. Be sure to check out some of our other travel photography spots to visit as well.